STATEWIDE — A NEW “WHIRLWIND WINTER” INITIATIVE announced by Governor Kathy Hochul on Friday, Nov. 29 will help minority- and women-owned businesses in New York state complete their applications for MWBE certification. Running from Dec. 1 to Dec. 31, 2024, the initiative uses a statewide network of business advisory centers to provide free, comprehensive support to applicants, who must meet certain requirements to qualify for certification.
While application review currently takes 90 days or more, Whirlwind Winter participants may receive even faster certification. By offering access to expert business advisors and tailored assistance, the program empowers MWBEs to navigate the process efficiently, accelerating their path to certification and unlocking new opportunities to engage in state contracting. Several organizations in Brooklyn are serving as Entrepreneurial Assistance Centers and as Small Business Development Centers; more information can be found online. Readers should note that the Brooklyn Small Business Development Center is hosted at Pace University in Lower Manhattan.
Since taking office, the governor has launched a number of programs dedicated to small businesses, Moreover, New York has surpassed its 30% MWBE utilization goal for the fourth consecutive year, achieving a nation-leading 32.21% rate.
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